Robotics team scores big win

‘Junkyard Dawgs’ place in first-ever competition

Above, the ‘Junkyard Dawgs’ robotics team, along with their mentors, pose for a photo after placing in the Traverse City regional competition recently. The team scored their first-ever win in their debut after forming the club earlier in the school year. Their robot was constructed using materials from an old desk.
Courtesy photo TRAVERSE CITY – The Manistique robotics team, the “Junkyard Dawgs”, took home a first place finish in their inaugural competition in Traverse City recently. The team participated in the two day regional competition along with 39 other teams from both the Upper and Lower Peninsula.

The competition, titled the “Ultimate Ascent”, featured studentbuilt robots throwing frisbees and climbing towers. Teams had six weeks to build their robots under the guidance of mentors and local community members.

Local sponsorship enabled the team to attend the regional event on March 1 and 2.

In preparation for the competition, Manistique students shared a workspace with students from Big Bay de Noc High School. Though the teams built separate robots, they assisted each other during the construction phases and also traveled together.

The Manistique team constructed their robot using materials from an old desk.

In competition, the “Dawgs” made it into elimination rounds as the final team selected by other top seeded teams. In bracket play began the team remained unbeaten and landed in first place.

In addition to the first place medal and trophy, the Dawgs also received the “Rookie Allstar” and “Rookie Team with the Highest Seed” awards.

The team is asking for community support, and are asking that any donations be made out to “Robotics Team” and sent to John Shiner at the Manistique High/Middle School, 100 Main Street, Manistique, MI 49854.